Anca’s TXcell tool grinder

The TXcell is a flexible CNC tool grinder with integrated robot work cell. It has the capability of taking bar stock to finished tools in a single setup. Anca refer to this process as blanket grinding. The cell is equally suited to mass production or small batch sizes and short lead times. Based on ANCA's TX7+ machine, the TXcell includes a robot cell covering both wheel pack and tool loading. The system has options of up to 21 wheel pack stations, encompassing wheel diameters of up to 300 mm. The choice of up to 4 pallet stations further extends unmanned grinding production, with zero retooling between batches. The advanced cellular concept of TXcell allows robot functionality to be fully utilised for additional operations such as laser etching, tool finishing, fine brush honing. The TXcell is able to work through 3 full pallets of tools in a single unmanned run. The concept eliminates the need for separate machines and manufacturing the complete tool within a single manufacturing cell is what blanket grinding is all about, providing a competitive advantage in productivity and flexibility. TXcell's productivity is further enhanced with other software and accessories. Anca's CIMulator3D is able to program and simulate the grinding process offline. While Anca's patented MPG Feed is claimed to be the safest and fastest program prove-out technique available. An onboard iView camera also allows operators to quickly ensure that new tool designs are ready for unmanned production.